We are about to replace the old workhorse F-150 with a brand spanking new F-550 PSD. Anyways to those interested on how the F-150 handled my needs, here is my report. The truck is a 99 SuperCab V-6 XLT 4x2 automatic with regular 3.55 axle. The only mods I put on it is a K&N filter and Hellwig EZ-990 helper springs and added a Glasstite Targa shell. The only maintenance I had on it are oil change every 5K miles, the 30K mile interval and rotated the tires only once as well as had the brake lining cleaned. Oh, and cleaned the K&N. It is reaching 55K miles and still on its original brakes (no metallic screach yet), tires (Goodyear Wrangler AP, still have some thread on them) and only the inside light (illuminating the fan speed dial) is blown. To those who may remember, I am the frozen fish guy. I haul a ton of frozen goodies around the Bay Area as well haul it to LA and SD a couple of times. The truck weighs in a 4600 lbs empty, add 180 lb driver and 45 boxes of fish weighing in are 38 lbs a box, that makes it 490 lbs overweight. Sometimes I carry more, especially when I do resupply runs from the cold storage to our warehouse, and when I did an emergency run to a friends warehouse when our freezer went kaput. That time, I carried 56 boxes between 33-38 lbs plus 20 boxes of meats in the cab at 18-24 lbs and 94 lb girlfriend and me. The suspension squeaks but I think its the Hellwigs doing that. I usually cruise in OD although at the when I hit the Grapevine slope, I ride 3rd gear. I get great mileage considering my loads, currently I get 16-18 mpg's that is cruising with load and battling Bay Area traffic with an occasional full throttle release, and MAX AC on. That goes down to 13-16 at "winter" months. My last LA trip carrying 6540 lbs GVW yeilded 22.5 mpg, cruising at 65 mph. Its a turtle compared to a 5.4 V-8 but it certainly picks up above 2800 rpms. I one time beat a Tacoma PreRunner V-6 in a stoplight race, how, maybe by a miracle. Its a great vehicle, and I will certainly miss it. It has been a nice travelling companion, a good date and work vehicle, and the backseats aren't too shabby. It is a bitch to park and can suck gas in city driving and squats to near lowriding level with a load. I have lots of sentimental value but life has to move on. Anyways, to those who does lots of hauling or plans to haul a bunch, do yourself a favor and add overload springs, EZ-990's at least, better yet go for airbags or LP-250's so the truck don't squat. Save your tranny and drive in 3rd if you are cruising below 40 or in city traffic. Use to OD switch to use engine braking on slopes in freeway speeds. Go 2nd on slopes in residential areas or 1st if the engine don't rev up too high a speed if needed. Steady 65 will yeild great mileage and use PANEL for air circulation. If too hot or smelly, go with MAX AC. Drive like there is a tomorrow to save some gas, and less wear and tear. I think the F-150 can handle 500 lbs to 800 lbs overload without breaking anything. Anything more than that, ask MRBBQMAN, he "abuses" his truck more.

Leo dC

 

Leo: Great Post!!! Lots of really good info too!! I remember your other post and I'm glad and a bit surprised that your truck held up so well. Built Ford tough!!! Boy, when you move up to a bigger truck, you really move up!!! Let me just give you one piece of warning. (have you ever heard of a female giving only ONE piece of advice???!!!) You said your old F150 was "a bitch to park". Well just wait until you try to park your F550!!! I've got a CrewCab that has never heard of turning on a dime (or quarter or half-dollar). I've had to back up while trying to make a u-turn!!! Try that on a busy road and suddenly everyone seems to be aiming their car at you to hit you. You will start picking your places to shop by how large a parking lot they have Oh, and that diesel, just try going through a drive-through fast food place at lunch time..I've had them "ask" me to shut down the engine so they could hear my order!! I've never shut her down, I just drive to the next window and give my order there. And one last thing, check out www.ford-diesel.com That board is a lot more serious-minded than the great group of people over here but if it's got something to do w/diesels, they know it. When are you getting the new truck???

------------------
2k F250 CC SWB 6 speed 4x2 Diesel XLT Super Duty, Woodland Green
Power Mirrors, 3.73 LS, Captains Chairs, ARE tonneau top, rear privacy glass
TT Pkg, Class IV hitch, sliding rear window, running boards, mud flaps
265/75/16 AS OWL tires, am/fm/cassette/cd, rechargable MagLite
Clarion APA 5240 amp, Memphis speakers:Components front, 5x7 rear, 10"sub
SuperChip, Stepshields, Ventshields on windows, rubber bed mat
rugged liner bedliner on tailgate, quick disconnect jumper cables
unaFORDable (decal on tailgate)

 

Hopefully next month. Unfortunately for me, I won't get to drive it, I will be moving 80 miles away to finish up my school. The only time I can ride it is probably on weekends. Who's slogan was it "Built strong to last long"? That certainly applies with my truck. By the way, unlike other people, I didn't get a leaky rear slider, and no crack whatsoever on the doors. And on non-oxed gas, I get 17-18 mpg's while travelling at max weight.

Leo dC